Growing together

Press release

CLAAS is experiencing profitable growth in an improved market environment

CLAAS, one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery worldwide, was able to increase its sales slightly in the 2017 financial year to 3.76 billion euros (previous year: 3.63 billion euros). Profit before taxes almost doubled to 184 million euros (previous year: 93 million euros).

'We were able to hone in on growth in a stabilising agricultural engineering market and significantly improve our profitability at the same time. A strong boost was largely down to the Eastern European market, where good harvests led to a noticeably higher demand for modern agricultural technology,' said Hermann Lohbeck, spokesperson for the CLAAS Group Executive Board.

The global market for professional agricultural technology experienced growth this year. Yet despite very positive developments experienced in Eastern Europe and South America, the picture was more mixed in the rest of Europe and on the other continents. There were only slight improvements in terms of sales for CLAAS in Germany, whereas as expected sales in France fell significantly following the abolition of a special tax depreciation for farmers. Large markets such as China and the USA registered a further decline in sales.

Spending on research and development at a very high level

The investments made in research and development (217 million euros) remained at the same level as the previous year (221 million euros) and have doubled over the past ten years. More than eleven percent of CLAAS employees now work in research and development. The family business presented a wide range of innovations in a year marked by several leading international trade fairs. CLAAS won one gold and four silver medals within the framework of the innovation award presented by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) at the Agritechnica 2017 exhibition. The new AXION 900 large tractor and the SCORPION telescopic loader developed in cooperation with Liebherr were elected 'Machine of the Year'.

2017 has seen CLAAS not only investing in new products, but also in a working environment that promotes innovation. This is embodied by the completion of the new electronics development centre in Dissen, Lower Saxony, with which a further step towards the digital future is taken. A new test and inspection centre is being built in Harsewinkel and with the 'Greenhouse' - a co-working space for the development of future-oriented business models.

Slight drop in workforce worldwide

The number of employees around the world fell slightly to 10,961 as of 30 September 2017 (previous year: 11,300). This reflects the differing trends in the agricultural engineering markets worldwide as well as the cost-cutting initiatives implemented over the past few years. While additional employees were hired in Eastern Europe, their number in China reduced. CLAAS employs 5,102 employees in Germany, slightly down on the previous year (5,220). There was an apprenticeship quota of 7.9 per cent (previous year: 8.2 per cent).

CLAAS Group in numbers

(IFRS)

2017in € m

2016in € m

Change%

Sales revenue

3,761.0

3,631.6

+3.6

EBITDA

335.7

251.9

+33.3

Profit before taxes

184.5

93.5

+97.3

Consolidated net income

115.4

37.6

+206.9

Free cash flow

209.6

118.5

+76.9

Equity

1,293.8

1,160.7

+11.5

Capital investments in fixed assets

130.7

122.2

+7.0

Research and development

217.6

221.4

−1.7

Balance sheet total

3,232.8

3,137.2

+3.0

Number of employees at the reporting date (30.9.)

10,961

11,300

−3.0

Outlook

CLAAS expects a moderate improvement in the global agricultural engineering markets for the current 2018 financial year. Drivers behind the increasing demand for professional agricultural technology include the strengthening of milk prices and the anticipated market recovery in France. The profitability of farms is expected to increase slightly again in most parts of the world. CLAAS is therefore expecting a positive sales trend and stable earnings before taxes.

Press release

CLAAS presents the new SCORPION series of telehandlers, developed in cooperation with LIEBHERR

The well proven SCORPION models from CLAAS have been raising the bar in terms of telehandler technology for many years. CLAAS now presents a completely new SCORPION series, which has been developed in cooperation with Liebherr.

The new SCORPION models offer greater handling performance, thanks to increased lifting capacity and new advanced driver-assistance systems, improved driver comfort and efficiency, along with improved safety and reliability. These benefits stem from a range of new features, such as DYNAMIC POWER for engine management, the new SMART LOADING driver-assistance system for fine control of the working hydraulics and overload protection, a fully automatic parking brake, controlled crab steering as a fourth steering option and an all-new cab configuration.

Model overview

SCORPION

635

732

736

741

1033

746

756

Lifting capacity

t

3.5

3.2

3.6

4.1

3.3

4.6

5.6

Lifting height

m

6.13

6.93

6.93

6.93

9.75

7.03

7.03

Working hydraulics (gear pump / load sensing)

l/min

106/160

106/160

106/160

106/160

106/160

–/200

–/200

Output (ECE R120)

kW/ hp

100/136

100/136

100/136

100/136

100/136

115/156

115/156

Drive

VARI-POWER

VARI-POWER

VARI-POWER

VARI-POWER

VARI-POWER

VARI-POWER

VARI-POWER PLUS

Better handling performance

All new SCORPION models boast improved working hydraulics and increased lifting capacity of 3.2 to 5.6 t, enabling optimal handling performance and productivity, thanks to quick cycle times. From December 2018, an additional SCORPION model will be available to meet the highest handling performance demands, with a 6.0 t lifting capacity and 9.0 m lifting height. Another major improvement in the new series is the high-performance drive, which guarantees particularly convenient and precise manoeuvring. The proven hydrostatic VARIPOWER or VARIPOWER PLUS transmission has three speeds, which are easy to control using the joystick. Safety and driver comfort are guaranteed, thanks to an electrohydraulic parking brake which is automatically activated if the driver leaves the seat, the machine stops or the engine is switched off. When the driver puts a foot on the accelerator to travel in a set direction, the parking brake is automatically deactivated. As in the previous series, all models come with Deutz diesel engines, which develop up to 156 hp (115 kW) and meet Stage IV (Tier 4) emissions standards.

The new DYNAMIC COOLING concept

The existing airflow system has been further optimised in the new SCORPION series, thanks to the new DYNAMIC COOLING concept. DYNAMIC COOLING automatically controls the fan speed and guarantees demand-driven cooling of the engine, no matter what the operating conditions. Air is drawn in at the front and flows around the engine and before exiting out the back of the machine. The reversing fan system also works fully automatically, based on the settings selected by the operator. When working in particularly dirty conditions, the driver can also reverse the fan manually at any time, at the touch of a button.

More models for every application

CLAAS now has a machine for every application, having extended the product range to include the new SCORPION 741 and 1033 models. The SCORPION 741 is a compact, manoeuvrable all-rounder, boasting an above-average lifting capacity of over 4.0 t. The SCORPION 1033 has been developed for areas where a particularly long reach is needed. For example, with its lifting height of 9.75 m, bales can be easily stacked at greater heights, and dozing work can be carried out in grain stores.

Proven quick-release plate

As with all machines in the series, both models are equipped with the proven and robust SCORPION quick-release headstock, which is compatible with older attachments. In the new series, a side support for the telescopic arm is now available for the 1033 and 741 to 635 models. This additional support provides even greater stability and protection of the machine when work involves significant extension of the arm and major lever action. For businesses in which the demands on the telehandler will not be so high, basic entry-level models without VARIPOWER are also available outside of Germany.

The expertise of Liebherr

In developing the new series, CLAAS has drawn on the expertise of Liebherr, the construction machinery specialists. This innovative family business will continue to collaborate with CLAAS on future projects. They worked together to develop an intelligent chassis and bonnet design for the new SCORPION models, which ensures optimal visibility. The attachment point for the telescopic boom now lies lower on the chassis, significantly expanding the field of view to the right and to the rear.

Cab redesign

The cabs in the new models have also been completely redesigned, and offer complete 360° visibility. All the important switches and controls have been sensibly arranged and are easy to operate. The central gauges/indicating instruments have been bundled together in a 3.5” screen, so that the operator can see all the important machine statuses at a glance, such as the speed, steering type or level of hydraulic oil. From spring 2018, a 7” display screen that combines all these functions will also be available as an option.

Shorter cycle times with SMART LOADING

The SMART LOADING system in the new SCORPION models combines all the systems to ensure optimum use of the machine’s capacity, and is equipped with automatic overload protection to ensure that the operating functions are always well coordinated. An automatic bucket return for loading operations with a set bucket position can also be included as an option, which the driver can set at the touch of a button on the joystick. SMART LOADING also enables fine control of the working hydraulics, to enable stacked goods to be positioned with greater accuracy. The speed of the working hydraulics can be easily halved via a toggle switch.

Optimal engine speed for all applications

With SMART ROADING and DYNAMIC POWER, the new SCORPION models have two systems to ensure an optimal engine speed, both on the road and during operation. The enhanced SMART ROADING automatically adjusts the speed when accelerating and once the maximum speed is achieved. If lower output is required, the engine speed is automatically lowered. In the 756 and 746 models, DYNAMIC POWER regulates the engine speed based on the joystick movements. The use of both systems in tandem ensures a comfortable ride in all applications, saves fuel and reduces noise.

Controllable crab steering

In addition to the standard front steering, all-wheel steering and crab-steering mode, the new SCORPION models all come with an additional fourth manual crab-steering mode, as standard. In contrast to the traditional crab-steering mode, in this mode, the front axle can still be controlled, which offers distinct advantages for certain applications, such as compacting the edges of clamps or moving along the walls of buildings. In addition, all new telehandlers are optionally available with CLAAS TELEMATICS. The SCORPION 741 and 736 models can also be fitted with large 500 tyres, which offer improved stability and reduce ground pressure when working in the field.

The new SCORPION models for HRC will be available from 1 January 2018. From May 2018, the 635, 732, 736, 741 and 1033 models will also be available with Stage IIIA emissions standard engines for LRC.

Press release

CLAAS presents the new SMART PUSH bucket system

CLAAS offers a broad range of machines for handling agricultural materials on the farm – from wheeled loaders and telehandlers to transport and loader wagons, and tractors with front loaders. Now, CLAAS is further extending its product range with the development of its new SMART PUSH bucket, providing additional customer benefits.

The SMART PUSH solution is unique on the market in that the load can be discharged without the need to tip the bucket. Instead, the material is simply pushed out, allowing greater overhead discharge heights for small and mid-sized TORION wheel loader models, and for CLAAS tractors with front loaders.

The SMART PUSH principle

The core of SMART PUSH is a movable rear panel that can be easily operated using the third control circuit. To empty the bucket, the driver only has to move it into the desired position, for example alongside a mixed-feed wagon or at the intake for a biogas plant, and then push the contents into the container while maintaining the bucket in a horizontal position. This means the bucket can be emptied without the need for tipping. In this way, the driver is able to maintain full control of the discharge process at all times, and also optimally control the amount of material being emptied.

Hydraulic overload protection

Material uptake is the same as for a standard bucket, with the standard hydraulic overload protection preventing any operating errors. The protection system operates completely independently of the controls, and remains operational even when the hydraulic connections are decoupled.

Since the SMART PUSH bucket no longer needs to be tipped, greater overhead discharge heights are possible using the same wheel loader and tractor models, where previously this would have only been possible using larger models. This pays dividends particularly for all-round vehicles as used on many farms, for example for loading mixed-feed wagons or high-walled transport vehicles. In addition, the driver has an optimal view of the bucket and load during the controlled hydraulic discharge process.

SMART PUSH loose material bucket for greater load capacity

The SMART PUSH loose material bucket is an alternative to the traditional high-tip bucket which frequently limits the load capacity of smaller wheel loaders, given its high tare weight. In contrast, using the SMART PUSH bucket allows the load capacity of the base vehicle to be utilized fully. Additionally, the SMART PUSH bucket requires less room than a high-tip bucket at the point of discharge, because the bucket’s position does not change, and it also has a considerably smaller displacement of centre of gravity. This makes working in farm buildings with low ceilings much easier.

Also available with top grab

The SMART PUSH bucket can also be purchased with a top grab, which likewise requires just a single additional hydraulic control circuit. When discharging, only the grab arm opens to begin with. The material is pushed out by the rear panel automatically only once the grab arm reaches a certain angle. As a result, the grab opening and pushing out the material are optimally coordinated. The SMART PUSH bucket can be purchased for all small and mid-sized CLAAS TORION models, as well as for the FL80 to FL250 CLAAS tractor front loaders. Bucket volumes range from 1,760 l for the small models to 4,100 l for the mid-sized models.

The new CLAAS SMART PUSH buckets with a total capacity (bucket + contents) of 1.8 t and above will be available exclusively from CLAAS dealers from 1 January 2018.

Press release

CLAAS TERRA TRAC – it's all about the soil

Drawing on its many years of experience gained in the field and through meeting the needs of 25,000 satisfied customers, CLAAS is showing its TERRA TRAC expertise at Agritechnica with enhanced versions of its crawler track system fitted to a JAGUAR forage harvester and an AXION large tractor.

It's all about the soil – and has been for 30 years

Soil compaction reduces yields and takes a great deal of work to eliminate again. This is why CLAAS attaches great importance to soil protection, starting with measures taken during the machine development process. It was 30 years ago that the company presented the first series-production combine harvester with full rubber tracks. This was followed by the TERRA TRAC concept a few years later. Since then, CLAAS has pursued the systematic development of crawler track technology on the LEXION large combine harvester. The benefits of this system for combine harvesters comprise:

potential for cost savings through protection of soil structure and reduced effort required for subsequent tillage

As the next logical step, CLAAS is now equipping AXION large tractors and JAGUAR forage harvesters with this concept which has been optimised specifically to meet customers' requirements.

TERRA TRAC on JAGUAR

In equipping its JAGUAR with TERRA TRAC, CLAAS is the first forage harvester manufacturer to present a factory-fitted integrated crawler track system for forage harvesters which protects the soil and grass cover with a unique, integrated headland protection feature. During a turning manoeuvre, the machine is supported on the middle support rollers, thereby raising part of each crawler track. As a result, the contact area and degree of soil pressure change briefly to a level comparable to that obtained with 800-size tyres. Studies by Kiel University of Applied Sciences have shown that, by shortening the contact area in this way, it is possible for the undesirable shear effect (which is otherwise encountered when turning a machine with crawler tracks on grass) to be reduced to almost the same level as that which results with a wheeled machine. This innovative concept allows year-round operation with a high degree of machine utilisation and no time lost in conversion. With 635 mm wide tracks, the JAGUAR with TERRA TRAC remains within a transport width of 3.0 m with a top speed of 40 km/h. With 800 mm wide tracks, the machine has an external width of less than 3.5 m. Another practical benefit is that removal and installation of the corncracker from the side is considerably easier as the crawler tracks are lower than tyres.

TERRA TRAC on AXION

The AXION 900 TERRA TRAC from CLAAS is the first half-track tractor with full suspension. The German Agricultural Society (DLG) recognised this concept with a silver medal on the occasion of Agritechnica. The crawler track system is based on the technology currently in use with combine harvesters. The drive wheel, which is larger than those found on the forage and combine harvester track units, allows the transmission of greater torque. Even during heavy tillage at low speed, the crawler track system transmits the drive power to the ground with minimal slippage. The prototype of the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC combines the advantages of a tracklaying tractor in terms of traction and soil protection with the driving comfort of a standard tractor. The independent suspension of the drive wheel, land wheel and support rollers allows the crawler track unit to adapt optimally to the ground. Despite its large contact area, the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC is significantly narrower than a tractor with wide or twin tyres. The suspension offers a very high level of driving comfort at up to 40 km/h.